2. Lobbying your MP: When you’d rather meet than tweet! Training Materials on Refugee Rights March 23, 2016

3.  Lobbying is any attempt or effort by an individual, business firm or organization to influence the actions of government.  Federal lobbying activity is covered under Canada’s Lobbying Act  people who are paid to lobby must register  people who lobby without being paid are not required to register  charities and their staff are subject to rules under both lobbying and income tax law  Lobbying is important because:  It can be used to influence public policy in between elections  It signals to government what people want them to be doing  It works in some cases  Other groups are devoting efforts to influence public policy What is lobbying and why is lobbying important?

4.  Direct (inside government): departmental public servants, cabinet ministers, MPs, regulatory agencies, etc.  Indirect (outside government): media, other interest groups, foreign governments, corporations  Targets depends on situation analysis: which issues will we pursue? Who wields power and influence? Who proposes? Who decides? Timing? Targets of lobbying

5.  You can accomplish useful aims by meeting any MP.  Let go of any assumptions and make friends now…  MPs who are not currently in cabinet may be in cabinet in the future.  The opposition may form government.  MPs may provide information on how the party caucus views an issue and what obstacles we might need to address to influence government.  MPs want to get elected.  They want to make a mark. Why visit your MP?

6.  One of the most common actions they can take is to write a letter to a government minister.  MPs can sign up to parliamentary motions showing support for a particular issue.  They can ask questions in the House of Commons (esp. issue critics)  They can challenge bills at Committee (esp. Immigration or CIMM)  They can show their support in all sorts of ways outside parliament (e.g. write an article in the local newspaper, post an article on their website, highlight a concern in public)  They can introduce private members bills. What sort of action can MPs take to support campaigns?

7.  NO!  Remember: MPs need to keep on top of a wide range of issues. Often you will know more about a particular issue than your MP.  Your MP may be grateful for any information you can provide.  If you are asked a question you can’t answer, it’s perfectly fine to say you don’t know and that you will find the answer for them. Do I need to be an expert?

8.  NO.  The party in power formulates policy but all MPs have influence that they can use in Parliament or in Government.  Should I mention my own political opinions? It’s always worth saying if you personally support the MPs’ party (however making clear that the campaign is non-partisan, and doesn’t support one party or another). Likewise, if you are a “floating” or “undecided” voter, you could hint that the issues you are raising and how parties react to it will influence the way you vote. Does it matter which party my MP belongs to?

9.  Who is your MP? Find out by checking this website: http://bit.ly/qyxfKQ http://bit.ly/qyxfKQ  The more you know about your MP the better you can pitch your case – and the more likely he or she is to take action!  Check the MP’s website. Look out for:  whether your MP holds a position in government or in opposition.  whether he/she sits on a House of Commons committee or all party group  what did he/she do before becoming an MP?  does he/she have a personal interest in human rights issues (through perhaps having lived or worked overseas)? Finding out about your MP

10.  All MPs are different and have different ways of organizing their time and their work. But there are general tips to remember:  MPs are very busy. Keep letters, phone calls, emails and meetings short and to the point.  Cultivate a relationship with an MP’s staff. They will often be your first and most regular point of contact.  Be polite and courteous. Nothing to be gained from getting your MP annoyed!  Always point out that others in your community share your concerns. How to contact your MP

11.  Letters, phone calls, emails can be effective, but nothing makes an impression like a meeting in person.  Making time for the meeting shows how important the issue is for you.  Most MPs work from their constituencies each Friday afternoon and sometimes on Saturdays. Call their office to find out when the MP is generally in his/her constituency office and whether you need to book a specific time.  Recess: Parliament usually isn’t in session for one week of every month. MPs are often available for meetings in their constituency offices during that week.  Summer recess: The exact dates vary but Parliament is usually not sitting from June 20 to September 10 th. Meeting your MP in person

12.  Make some notes in advance about the key points you want to make.  Think about counter arguments your MP might have.  Be as specific as you can (give examples) about the costs of inaction. Preparing for the meeting

13.  Prepare a couple of clear recommendations or asks for your MP. Preparing for the meeting - Lobbying 13:5 REFUGEES WELCOME HERE!

14.  Be brief. Be clear about the reasons for the meeting. Communicate your key points as clearly as possible. During the meeting

15.  Take notes so you can follow up important points.  Keep the discussion on track! (The MP might change the subject to avoid an issue he or she prefers not to deal with.)  If you’re asked a difficult question, don’t worry. Offer to find out the response.  Wrap up the meeting reiterating your key points and / or your understanding of the action that you have requested your MP to take. During the meeting

16.  Follow up with a thank you note.  Include a reminder of the key points raised.  Keep in touch.  Send your MP information, press clippings, online articles or updates that relate to the issues you have discussed.  You might also want to invite the MP to attend an event you are organizing. After the meeting

17. THANK YOU! charrisonbaird@amnesty.ca